Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-05-09
Divorces.

A Western paper saws, that there has
been startling increase of late, IN the
number of divorces and separations in
fashionable society," and that this is the
case not only in any particular part OF the
country, but in all the large cities. There
is no doubt OF the truth of this assertion
One has but to refer to the daily paper o
the present time to find confirmation OF
this statement. Public attention is being
drawn TO the long lists of cases that are
daily presented in and disposed OF by, the
courts. From careful observation, it will
be seen that these cases are not confined
to fashionable society; in fact, they occur
in all kinds and classes of society, and
we are led to believe that the ma ority of
them are among the lower elements rather
than among the higher. Clergymen who
have for IA long time waged war against
these social evils. have again commenced
strenuous, aggressive operations. The
press has begun bold and severe criti-
cism of the laws relating to divorce and
Of the decisions of judges in their appli-
cations OF the laws. The lawyers are
charged with aiding and aggravating cases
that come into their hands and the parties
concerned are held up to public view in
most humiliatlng and disgusting situa-
tions. The increase is general and not
confined to cities alone. Here in New
England towns and villages are many in
stances that are most revolving in their ma
ture and the consequences OF such evils
are proving very dangerous to the perma-
nency and well-being OF society. The evil
is not to be regarded any longer as for
egn; it is coming nearer home each year :;
1t is threatening not only our public insti-
tutions but the foundation of social stabl-
itv and purity-the family.
The large number of divorces that are
now being granted by the courts, indicates
the existence of grave wrongs which
should be rghted. They should not be
considered indicative of unhappiness in
true and pure matrimonial life. for the
preponderance of evidence is against such
deductions but the ratio is sufficiently
large to cause this anxiety for our social
and family relations that is now being ex-
hibited. In the investigation tor causes,
one is bewildered by their innumerable
and deplorable variety. The dissembings
and deceits of the fashionable world, the
extravaganza of high life. the contract.
for money and position. the hasty and
ignorant compacts, the want of respect for
purity and chastity, the criminal irrespon-
sibility, the base and inhuman treat
ment, the lack of proper educa-
ton. all these, and many others
may be enumerated among the causes
which lead to divorce. The comparative
ease attending the dissolution of the mar
riage contract may induce many even
while in want of ustiiable cause, to re-
sort to this legal recourse. There are, of
course. instances where the misery OF I'M
happy and unfortunate marriages COM
pels separation and the welfare of not
only the parties themselves. but of socie-
ty. demands some change. Yet, whatever
the cause, there still remain the degrad-
ing influences upon the public in mani
fold forms. The marriage ceremony is
being bereft of its sacred character and
reduced to the form of a mere business
transaction. Contracts are being entered
into with the idea that they can be easily
broken, and American lite In its various
departments and phases, is becoming de.
cidedly Partisan. in the full meaning of
that term.
In looking about for remedy it is diff
cult tc decide upon any one measure
which promises to avert the calamity
which is sure to follow such a course in
society. The men who have studied the
subject. have proposed from time
to time amendments to divorce
laws which were hoped to be
efectual, but which either unsupported
or faulty, have failed in their purpose. 1t
seems that legislation should now be at
tempted in another direction-that the